Assessor

Jefferson County AssessorAs your Assessor, one of my functions is to have this office be transparent and accessible to you.This web section will provide you with information on questions you may have regarding the Assessor’s office.If further assistance is needed, the Assessor’s staff is always willing to answer your questions.

It is our goal to appraise all property fairly and equitably, to maintain accurate and accessible property records and give prompt and courteous customer service.

State law requires that the Assessor value property at 100% of true and fair market value.The marketvalue is the amount of money that a willing and unobligated buyer is willing to pay a willing and unobligated seller.An individual sale does not automatically establish the value of a property.The Assessor uses multiple sales to establish market value.

ResponsibilitiesThe Jefferson County Assessor’s office is required to physically inspect, appraise and revalue all real property once every 6 years with an annual review and update based on sales analysis.This appraisal cycle is established by the state constitution & state laws, enforced by the State Department of Revenue.

· We maintain inventory, description, ownership, sales and mapping for all properties.

· We provide information, education and assistance.

· We provide public computer access to assessment data, also now available on the Internet through the Real Property Search.

We do not, assist with completing your appeal form or take your appeal form.Please contact the Board of Equalization(360) 385-9100.

RevaluationReal Property is land and any improvements, such as buildings, attached to the land. Properties are revalued annually and are physically inspected at least once every six years. After determining the value, the Assessor mails property owners a “Change of Value Notice.” The notice states the new and the old values. By comparing the two values, property owners can tell whether their property has increased or decreased in value. The notice also breaks down the value between land and improvements. Valuation notices are NOT tax bills. An increase in value does not mean that next year’s property taxes will increase at a proportionate rate.